Mike Locksley analyzes the 'natural' chip on Taulia Tagovailoa's shoulder

For some reason, Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is one of the less heralded at his position coming into this year. Other quarterbacks, whether in the Big Ten or nationally or experienced or not, have been discussed more than the Terrapin’s QB1 heading into his fifth season of college football.

Mike Locksley said at Big Ten Media Days that that lack of recognition only enlarges the chip on Tagovailoa’s shoulder. The one that’s already there comes from being the younger brother to a quarterback who was a former All-American in college and an MVP candidate this past season in the NFL.

“I think it’s natural for him because of his last name,” Locksley said. “The chip of having any time you talk about him? He’s Tua (Tagovailoa’s) brother. So I think, being the younger brother, he kind of already had that chip.”

In his two seasons as Alabama’s starter, Tua Tagovailoa threw for over 6,800 yards and 76 touchdowns. He did so on a 70.2% completion rate while also only throwing nine total interceptions. He then went on to be the No. 5 pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft. Although he battled concussion concerns this past season, he has been the starter for the franchise ever since.

That’s why, when it comes to Maryland’s Tagovailoa, his lack of hype is somewhat baffling. After spending time in Tuscaloosa himself, Taulia Tagovailoa has thrown for over 7,800 yards and 51 touchdowns with the Terrapins. Over the last two seasons in College Park, he has completed 68.1% of his passes.

Tagovailoa is the Big Ten’s leading returning passer from a season ago. Even so, it seems several quarterbacks, whether it be J.J. McCarthy or others, are stealing all of the spotlight.

Regardless of that, though, Locksley is doing his best to let everyone know that he has one of the nation’s best players back and at his disposal.

“I don’t know if he pays as much attention to the lack of notoriety that he maybe has nationally,” said Locksley. “But, for me, as a guy that studies it and sees it? I definitely will bang the drums on letting everybody know we feel like we have a really talented quarterback that has a chance to be one of the best in the country.”

Tagovailoa might not be getting the love that some, specifically in the Terrapin’s building, feel like he deserves. That leaves it up to him to earn it, albeit in a difficult division, with his play come this season.